SerpApi.Org
Donald Trump dismissed Gianni Infantino's protests to stay on the podium alongside Spain as they lifted the World Cup trophy following victory over Argentina.
On Sunday, Spain secured a tight 1-0 win over 10-man Argentina in the World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium. Ferran Torres came off the bench to score the winning goal as the European champions clinch World Cup glory after Enzo Fernandez's red card.
After fans finally got into the arena due to the bolstered security as a result of Trump’s decision to attend, which saw him booed by those in attendance and humiliated by a key player in front of the cameras, the game kicked off with a difficult 45 minutes played out.
In the second half, Spain remained on top while Argentina was unable to get a foothold in the game, failing to register a single shot even in extra time. It comes as a lip reader exposed Gianni Infantino's desperate plea to Trump that he ignored in a humiliating moment.
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In the dying embers of normal time, Enzo Fernandez received a red card for his second bookable offense as he took out Pau Cubarsi before, in extra time, Spain finally had the moment that captured a second World Cup title and left Messi and Argentina with nothing.
After Nico Williams' goal was ruled out for a soft foul, Spain - early in the second half of extra time - scored when Williams headed the ball down to Torres. The Barcelona superstar rifled a fine finish past Emi Martinez, but there was still work to do as Spain held off late Argentine pressure.
Deep into the closing stages of the additional period, a dangerous Messi cross was nearly turned in by Giuliano Simeone only for Mikel Merino to make a heroic block and force it behind. Then, from the ensuing corner, the ball finds Simeone in space in the middle of the box, but he leaned back and sent an effort flying over the bar.
When referee Slavko Vincic blew the whistle to bring an end to the game, Spain were world champions for a second time.
Ahead of the awards ceremony, Trump walked onto the pitch alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. He was booed once again by the onwatching crowd, who had already made their feelings on the 80-year-old quite clear during the national anthems. But during this moment, Argentina committed one final unsportsmanlike act.
Once all the hoopla concluded, Spain and captain Rodri were finally handed the iconic trophy by Trump. However, just as he did a year ago during the Club World Cup Final, Trump decided to stick around, and rather than led the captain and team have their moment, Trump sought the spotlight. Even amid immense boos for the president, he participated in medal distribution before refusing to leave the stage.
Infantino even needed to jog across the podium to get to Trump, who refused to leave the end of the stage. Unfazed, Rodri hoisted the trophy and ignited the celebrations as he and his team didn't seem to mind that there was an uninvited guest. Trump was later led away to allow the Spanish players to celebrate by themselves.
It is similar to the scene at MetLife 12 months ago, when Chelsea defeated PSG to win the Club World Cup. Back then, Infantino tried to guide Trump offstage, but the President lingered, visibly out of place as Reece James proudly raised the Club World Cup trophy.
Trump awkwardly stayed for photographs, rigidly positioned among athletes and officials, until Infantino returned to shuffle him to a less conspicuous spot. He was in a similar scenario this time around, only at the World Cup Final, Infantino seemed to be in less of a rush to move the 80-year-old on.
It comes as Lionel Messi was savagely yanked back by Trump in an excruciating moment.
